The lead up to Christmas can be hectic - presents, preparations, sometimes even a little panic. It's a truism that all this takes us away from the real meaning of Christmas. So take some time this Advent and spend it in silence before the Lord, present in the Blessed Sacrament here every Sunday afternoon, from 1.30pm to 5.30pm. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is the perfect form of prayer for those people who don't think they're very good at prayer: because you don't have to do anything! Just sit there, in the Lord's presence, and let Him do the work! And amid the chaos, find peace.

Even if you haven't got a ticket there's still the chance to see and show your support for the Pope. Here's where:

Thursday 16 September A vigil of prayer will be held to greet the Holy Father when he arrives after flying down from Glasgow to Heathrow. His expected time at Heathrow is 9.15pm and a group will be praying the Rosary and singing hymns from 9pm outside the Apostolic Nunciature in Wimbledon. You are asked to bring banners and flags if possible. (Thanks to the Pope Benedict in Southwark blog.)

Friday 17 September, London At around 17:00 the Pope will travel in the popemobile from Lambeth Palace across Lambeth Bridge and along Millbank, the Pope arrives at the Palace of Westminster at around 17:15. There will be limited space along this route and limited vantage points from which to see the Pope.

Saturday 18 September, London At 18:00 the Pope will travel in the popemobile along Horse Guards Road, The Mall, Constitution Hill and Hyde Park Corner before arriving at Hyde Park for the Prayer Vigil at around 18:30.

For those in London, it is also possible to offer a prayerful "Goodnight" to the Holy Father at the Apostolic Nunciature in Wimbledon:

Saturday 18 September The Knights of St Columba are organising a vigil at Wimbledon to greet the Holy Father as he returns to the Apostolic Nunciature after the Hyde Park vigil. They will be gathering from 6.30-8.30pm. The event is informal and the Knights are not officially "stewarding" but will be around with "Collars" (the KSC insignia) to help in case of need.